MASTERPIECE MICROMOSAIC ITALIAN CIRCA 1820

A rare sized rectangular framed mosaic depicting a young woman, bust length, with long reddish-brown hair, wearing a white robe and cap. This mosaic is after a portrait of Beatrice Cenci (1577-1579)in the Uffizi Palace in Florence, attributed to Guido Reni ( 1575-1624 ). Beatrice was a young woman who conspired with her mother and brother to kill her father, Francesco Cenci a wealthy but cruel man who treated his family cruelly. They succeeded in having him murdered in his bed by Beatrice`s friend and a hired assassin. The family were arrested, tortured and incarcerated in Savelli prison. After being convicted and refused pardon by the Pope, all were executed on 11th September 1599. Beatrice was made famous through a number of literary works including a tragedy by Shelly ( 1792-1822) Aurora.

Dimensions. 39cm x 30cm (with frame 60cm x 53cm) Later frame.

LITERATURE: Illustrations - see The Gilbert Collection Micromosaics Page 233 , illustration 167 for a small version (4cm x3cm)